On Sunday, officials of the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) said individuals responsible for the removal and willful destruction of street lamp pole advertisements along Admiralty Way, a key thoroughfare, have been arrested.
The head of Corporate Communications and Strategy at LASAA, Atinuke da-Silva-Osadjere, revealed this in a statement released at the weekend. The statement said the agency’s officials moved swiftly to quell escalating tensions over the destruction of legitimate advertising infrastructure in the Lekki area of the state.
Silva-Osadjere pointed out that with the action, LASAA has demonstrated its commitment to protecting business rights and maintaining order in the state’s advertising sphere.
“The Agency’s swift response aims to deter future acts of vandalism and ensure that legitimate businesses can operate without fear of illegal interference. By addressing these incidents promptly, LASAA reinforces its role in safeguarding the rights of advertisers and maintaining a safe and regulated environment for outdoor advertising. The law will take its course.”
The agency explained that its actions followed vehement objections from the Lekki Peninsula Residents Association (LERA), which reportedly took matters into its own hands, citing aesthetic concerns.
“The incident, which saw legally placed advertisements torn down, has ignited a broader debate about the balance between community aesthetics and commercial rights in the fast-growing Lagos economy.
“The agency, keen to project an image of robust regulatory oversight, reiterated its commitment to protecting the rights of businesses and ensuring that all advertising activities comply with established regulations. This stance is crucial for fostering investor confidence in Lagos, a city increasingly reliant on private sector dynamism.
“We recognise the vital role that outdoor advertising plays in promoting local businesses and enhancing community engagement,” Ms. da-Silva-Osadjere added, highlighting the economic significance of the sector.
LASAA advocates for a “collaborative approach” with community organisations to mitigate future conflicts, emphasising the importance of “dialogue and understanding” regarding regulatory guidelines.
“This outreach strategy recognises the need for nuanced engagement with local stakeholders rather than punitive measures.
“The agency’s actions serve as a potent reminder of its mandate to ‘manage, regulate and control’ the signage and outdoor advertising environment in Lagos State. This includes all forms of signage and outdoor branding opportunities. The Agency’s vigilance, they claim, is crucial to ensuring a ‘thriving economy’ in the state.”
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